Fun for Fellas By Pegge Blinco

With the hope of urging our gentlemen into fashions of our era, I offer suggestions for doable – off the rack – simple, easy and uncomplicated.

One of the best items a fella should have in his closet should be a light, putty-colored Docker pant or light colored washable linen slack. Add a white or pin-striped long sleeve , a four-in-hand tie or – or no tie, or . For , saddle , two-toned wing tips or toes, light colored canvas shoes with rubber soles or buckskins … but NEVER athletic shoes!! A driving cap or straw completes the outfit.

When the weather got warm, sleeves were rolled to and above the elbows, as short sleeves did not exist on men’s until late 1931.

To kick this up a notch, use the same light slacks and shirt, unroll the sleeves, add a , preferably dark colored, single or double breasted, a bow tie, or four-in-hand tie – length was short – 45”, same shoes, straw boater or Panama , and he’s suitably dressed for lunch or afternoon party.

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We are all familiar with the sports attire of knickers or , generally used for golfing, hiking and/or motoring. The home seamstress can create a pair by cutting 13-14” off wide trouser pants. This will allow for enough to be 4” below the knee when finished. If this doesn’t work for you, contact www.tbarryknickers.com. To complete this very sporty look, add a great cable or plain-knit V-neck , and don’t forget the collared shirt, bow tie if you like, and driving cap, if needed.

A very easy formal look could be the ever-popular and never out of style tuxedo. Consider a trip to your local tuxedo rental shop, and find out when they have their annual purging of rented tuxes. The reduced-to-clear prices are great – just as great to have one on hand for weddings, New Years, – whatever. Your tuxedo will require a winged collar shirt (also from the rental shop sale) a black bow tie, a , tall hat or derby, black highly polished shoes, and black . For extra splash, add a cane, white gloves and maybe a white silk with fringed ends. Be aware: don’t wear that are too small; they shouldn’t sit on of your head like a peanut!

Another “” option you may like to consider: a white dinner from the tuxedo rental shop for summer wear – with the same tux or nice black slacks; add a , the black shoes and socks. Really study the photographs and pictures; they tell us so much.

Fun Fashions are not just fun to wear but rewarding. You have now completed the “look of the era”, enhanced by your beautiful car.

A special “thank you” to Winnie Colwell for the use of pictures from her booklet “Men’s Era Fashions for 1928 1929 1930 1931.” # # # # # # #

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